Woon Wei Jong

Woon Wei Jong

Correspondent, Lianhe Zaobao

Wei Jong joined Shin Min Daily in 2000, then Lianhe Wanbao in 2007. In 2017, he joined SPH's Chinese Media Group Newshub, contributing articles to Lianhe Zaobao and Lianhe Wanbao on society, politics, policies, and current affairs, as well as big reads and special reports. Before becoming a journalist, he was a researcher and editor at two social services organisations.

Classes at National Chengchi University's Chinese Language Center operate in smaller sizes conducive to a higher level of engagement between teachers and students. (Photo: Woon Wei Jong)

Taiwan gains ground as destination to learn Mandarin

A record number of foreign students are choosing to study Mandarin in Taiwan, breaking pre-pandemic records. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong looks at the appeal of Taiwan as a Mandarin-learning hub and the impact on its international standing.
A fisherman looks out at hundreds of fishing boats moored at the dock in Little Kinmen, on 26 February 2024. (SPH Media)

Capsizing incident highlights fierce competition between Kinmen and Xiamen fishermen

The waters around Kinmen have long been coveted by fishermen from both sides of the Taiwan Strait for the priceless yellow croakers. However, the recent capsizing of a mainland Chinese fishing boat has sparked a fresh round of tension, with the mainland public dissatisfied with the Taiwan authorities’ fishing restrictions against mainland fishermen. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong speaks with the local fishermen in Kinmen to find out more.
A screen broadcasts news footage of a Navy Force vessel taking part in military drills by the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan, in a shopping area in Beijing, China, 19 August 2023. (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

Taiwan military prepares for urban warfare and asymmetric fight as PLA prepares for war with Taiwan

As Beijing turns up the pressure on Taiwan with military exercises around the island, Taiwan in turn is also preparing its people for urban warfare and what would probably be an asymmetric fight. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong talks to academics and experts to find out more.
Supporters take a selfie with Terry Gou, the retired founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, at a rally for legal reform and against high real estate prices in Taipei, Taiwan, on 16 July 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Foxconn's Terry Gou may yet be the kingmaker in Taiwan presidential race

On 23 July, the Kuomintang (KMT) formally approved New Taipei mayor Hou Yu-ih as its candidate in the 2024 presidential election, despite some talk that it might throw its weight behind Foxconn founder and billionaire Terry Gou after all. Even so, Gou may be joining the race as an independent, splitting the race into a four-cornered fight with the Democratic Progressive Party's William Lai, the KMT's Hou, and the Taiwan People's Party's Ko Wen-je. Lianhe Zaobao China Desk and Taiwan correspondent Woon Wei Jong take us through the latest developments.
An accident scene involving three vehicles in Chiayi, Taiwan, 12 June 2023. (CNS)

Taiwanese fail miserably when it comes to traffic safety and etiquette

While Taiwan is known for its food and scenery, it is also notorious for its dangerous roads. A series of recent accidents has brought the problem into the spotlight. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong looks into Taiwan’s road safety issue and what can be done to improve it.
This handout picture taken and released by Taiwan's former president Ma Ying-jeou's office on 31 March 2023 shows former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (centre) visiting his mother’s school, the Zhounan High School, in Changsha in Hunan Province, China. (Handout/Ma Ying-jeou's office/AFP)

Ma Ying-jeou to run for president once more?

With his visit to China trending online and his approval ratings rising, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou is looking to be a possible candidate for the KMT in the presidential election next year. But the picture is more complicated than it seems, says Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong.
A general view of rush hour traffic in Taipei, Taiwan, 17 January 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Are Hong Kong immigrants welcome in Taiwan?

Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong speaks with academics, professionals and consultants about the difficulties Hong Kongers have in gaining residency in Taiwan, which was previously an easy and straightforward process. Why have some Hong Kongers given up and why are some still set on staying in Taiwan despite the arduous process?
Taiwan's armed forces pose for a photo with a Taiwan flag during a routine drills to show combat readiness ahead of Lunar New Year holidays at a military base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 11 January 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Can Taiwan stay safe in the next decade?

As the sabre-rattling continues in the Taiwan Strait, there seems to be no clear solution in sight for reunification. Zaobao’s correspondent Woon Wei Jong speaks to commentators and experts to take soundings on feasible solutions.
Taiwan Vice President William Lai Ching-te (front row, centre) gestures along with students participating in the International Youth Ambassador Exchange Programme during their visit to the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan, 16 January 2023. (Facebook/賴清德)

Can DPP's new chair William Lai win the Taiwanese presidential election in 2024?

Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong notes that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s strong stance of “Taiwan independence” has seen a shift towards a more toned down “peaceful protection of Taiwan”. With Taiwan’s Vice-President William Lai now at the helm of the DPP, he must grapple with internal and external challenges to secure the public’s votes for his party in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential race. In particular, will he be able to persuade the younger voters that his party can achieve the peaceful protection of Taiwan?